The film's origins came from Lucas' desire to create a modern version of the serials of the 1930s and 1940s. Spielberg originally suggested casting Ford as Jones, Lucas objected that he did not want the actor to be constantly associated with his films. Lucas persuaded Spielberg to look for someone else. Tom Selleck was cast in the role, but he was unavailable because of his commitment to the television series Magnum, P.I. Which left Harrison Ford to star as Indiana Jones. Production was set at Elstree Studios, and filming took place in La Rochelle, Tunisia, Hawaii and the other United States from June to September 1980.

When released on June 12, 1981, the $20 million (USD) film was a huge success. Easily the highest grossing film of 1981, earning $384 million worldwide, and at the time, one of the highest-grossing movies ever made. It was nominated for eight Academy Awards including: Best Picture, in 1982 and won four more in Best Sound, Best Film Editing, Best Visual Effects, and Best Art Direction-Set Decoration. The film was a hit with audiences and critics alike leading to two more films: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles television series. A fourth film in 2008 released: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Ghost kill Belloq, Toht and Colonel Dietrich.